How to Become a Psychiatrist

Video Transcript

"To become a psychiatrist, you first need to become a medical doctor. The first step in becoming an M.D., is to complete a bachelor's degree,and then take what is known as, the Medical College Admissions Test. Now, medical school is a highly competitive program,and so really in your bachelor's degree, you want to focus on your GPA, and keep a 3.75 or higher. The MCAT, tests your basic science knowledge on physical sciences, biological sciences, as well as verbal reasoning, and writing. Medical schools then use this information, your course of study, your undergraduate school, your GPA, and your MCAT scores, in the admissions process to medical school. Now, less than half of those who apply to medical school, will actually be accepted. Once you begin medical school, it's a four year course of study. The first two years, typically, are reserved for Didactic instruction, and health sciences. You then must also pass the first step of the United States Medical Licensing Exam. After you finish your second two years of medical school, which focuses on developing basic clinical knowledge and skills, you are granted the degree of M.D. Now, that is true, of any person who wishes to become a doctor. Here's where you specialize in psychiatry. You would apply to a residency program in psychiatry, which is a three year residency program. Upon acceptance to a residency program, through what's known as the National Match, you would do your additional three years of formal graduate medical education training, in psychiatry. After you've completed your residency in psychiatry, you can take the State Licensing Exam, in the state in which you wish to practice, and become an independent practicing psychiatrist. However some will, particularly those who want to focus on a sub specialty of psychiatry, or wish an academic career, will also do what's known as a fellowship in psychiatry, and upon completing their fellowship, will take the State Licensing Exam, and can practice as a psychiatrist."